NIGERIA // MSC ELSA 3 suspicious approach 65NM SW of Bonny Island – 21/01/2021

EVENT DESCRIPTION // On January 21st, at 1008 UTC, some 65NM SW of Bonny Island, the Liberia-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 (IMO: 9123221) reported being approached by a small craft carrying 6 or 7 men with CPA 0.3NM.

The crew mustered into the citadel while the Master and two officers remained on the bridge. The embarked security team fired a warning shot forcing the small craft to reduce its speed and avoid  further approaching the vessel.

Vessel and crew are reported safe.

The MSC ELSA is owned by Mediterranean Shipping, Switzerland.